User studies are one of the most researched areas in library and Information science. These studies form a large body of literature in the discipline. Since user studies first appeared in the late 1940s their number has constantly increased. Menzel in the first Annual Review of Information Science and Technology (1966) refers to two comprehensive bibliographies of user studies in 1964 and 1965, each containing 438 and 676 studies respectively This was just a first indication of the explosion tliat would take place a couple of decades later. This article recounts the evolution of user studies by explpring related key concepts of the field. It also discusses how research methods in other areas have influenced the work in this field. Fin lly, a literature review shows the diversity and plethora of topics explored by various studies.Ranja Siatri is research Student, Manchester Metropolitan University,

Δημοσιεύσεις Μελών--ΣΔΟ--Βιβλιοθηκονομίας και Συστημάτων Πληροφόρησης, 2013This paper aims to describe marketing methods, techniques and activities used in Greek academic libraries and their staff perceptions regarding the importance of marketing applications. In addition, it identifies factors which hinder the uptake of marketing, and investigates the evaluation methods used.There are 151 central and departmental academic libraries in Greece, yet there is limited published research concerning their marketing activities. Therefore, it was intended to discover the reasons behind the low/non-use of marketing in Greek academic libraries. A three-section questionnaire was designed as the main research tool and distributed to 151 libraries. Survey results are presented and analysed according to the structure of the questionnaire.Whilst marketing techniques and methods are used in academic libraries worldwide, the spread of marketing in Greek academic libraries proved to be limited. Basic operational problems were identified as the main barrier to greater uptake. Nevertheless, the majority of Greek academic librarians realize the importance of marketing, but they still have a long way to go in terms of understanding and adopting marketing concepts in their provision of services.A quantitative survey was employed to determine the current situation, and examine the attitudes and perceptions of librarians in Greek academic libraries. However, the rapidly changing information environment and the increased international interest in academic library marketing have necessitated further research. The paper presents research on staff perceptions and attitudes, towards marketing activities in Greek academic libraries. However, there is limited published research on the topic. Additionally, it is the first attempt to discover the extent to which marketing is used in Greek libraries' services' provision. The research depicts marketing techniques and methods used in Greek academic libraries and compares its results with international practices

Δημοσιεύσεις μελών-- ΣΔΟ--Βιβλιοθηκονομίας και Συστημάτων Πληροφόρησης, 2013»Marketing supports the reaching of organizational goals by focusing on the identification and satisfaction of customer needs, thus it can also contribute considerably in achieving the objectives of non‐profit organizations such as libraries. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the literature on the incorporation of marketing notions and the implementation of marketing techniques in library management. It reviews definitions, present different opposing views, marketing issues, social media and Web 2.0 and opinions on the adoption of marketing in a non‐profit organization environment, and examines different successful examples of marketing implementation, concentrating on the gains resulting from such a move.A thorough literature search on various databases and on various aspects of this topic was reviewed. The literature review is organised on emerging themes directly drawn from the literature, thematically and chronologically within each section. It aims to identify the changing perspectives, the current challenges, and the benefits offered by examining information science specialists' views. The main marketing concepts are identified throughout a strategic planning approach, which has been recommended as the most successful by the majority of researchers.This paper examines and clarifies the existing misunderstandings and difficulties in library and information services marketing, and stresses the importance of its adoption in this contemporary competitive environment. It examines library marketing in six sections: misconceptions regarding library marketing, main challenges and reasons as to why the adoption of marketing concepts is an integral part of the strategic planning, reports on the international library organizations, provides a description of the implementation of strategic marketing and planning processes, presents some library marketing approaches and examines the contemporary technological opportunities for library marketing in the digital era, such as the use of Web 2.0 tools.The paper broadens the library marketing literature by gathering researchers' scientific views and advice and identifies the main implementation concerns derived from the earlier and more recent relevant literature. Moreover, for the first time, IT records issues concerning library marketing, social media and Web 2.0

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The authors report on the findings of a usability test conducted to evaluate the usability of the VeriaGrid online system. The VeriaGrid (www.theveriagrid.org) is a prototype virtual map that focuses on the provision of information related to the cultural heritage of the city of Veria (Greece). It has been developed under the Light Project by the Central Public Library of Veria (www.libver.gr). It is an interactive application that includes various functional or thematic areas such as an interactive digital map of Veria, image gallery, videoclips, panoramic site photos, and general information about the city of Veria. The findings of the usability test revealed that users had some difficulties in using novel features of the digital map (such as the Recommended Points and the Routes functions) and finding textual information about cultural heritage of the city of Veria. Users, however, were satisfied with the overall usability of the system. In light of these findings, some recommendations for improving the usability of the system are made.

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Δημοσιεύσεις Μελών—ΣΔΟ – Βιβλιοθηκονομίας και Συστημάτων Πληροφόρησης, 2012This paper presents the development of a web based Information Literacy service, at the Library of the Alexander Technological Educational Institute (ATEI) of Thessaloniki. The purpose of the newly developed service was to amalgamate the already existing IL services, with new features and sections, providing a more constructivist approach to teaching and learning. For the development of the new service, first a questionnaire survey was conduced among the students of the ATEI in order to evaluate the existing service, complemented by a literature and case studies review; these assisted the working team to acquire a more holistic view of the current services provided, the trends and equivalent services provided by other libraries worldwide